The government’s newly announced fuel relief scheme will cost between Rs25 billion and Rs30 billion each month, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday, he outlined the financial implications of the initiative. The ministers explained its eligibility requirements, registration process and implementation plan.
Malik said the programme could cost about Rs300 billion if maintained for 10 months. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the government to arrange additional resources to fund the scheme, he added.
The PM launched the initiative on Sunday, offering a Rs100-per-litre reduction in petrol prices for motorcyclists, rickshaw and Qingqi drivers, and owners of vehicles with engines up to 800cc.
Under the programme, motorcycles, rickshaws and other two- and three-wheelers can receive the subsidy on up to 20 litres of petrol per month, while eligible cars up to 800cc can claim relief on up to 30 litres.
The scheme will begin in Islamabad from the night of September 14-15 and will be extended to other parts of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, from the night of September 16-17.
Shaza Fatima said the programme would operate in two stages, beginning with beneficiary registration. Applicants must send their CNIC number through a SIM registered in their name to 9771, followed by their vehicle registration number, registration province or city and registration date.
She clarified that the province provided during registration must match the location where the vehicle is registered. Applicants will be notified by SMS if any required information is incomplete.
Registration will only be required once. Once registered, beneficiaries can obtain a fuel token by sending “TOK” to 9771 when purchasing petrol.
Shaza cautioned citizens against sharing their CNIC details or other personal information with anyone, stressing that the government would not request additional data or charge any fee for registration or availing the subsidy.
She said authorities would monitor the system and address any technical or procedural issues that emerge during implementation.
Tarar said the relief package was designed to support deserving citizens affected by the recent surge in fuel prices. He said the government had established a transparent mechanism and directed all relevant ministries and departments to ensure smooth implementation.
He added that public transport fares must not be increased after the fuel subsidy is provided, while the government was also pursuing various austerity measures.
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